A semiotic approach to Greek internet memes during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Since late 2019, Covid-19 has spread worldwide, and many people are obliged to stay at home for public health reasons. Confined to their homes, people worldwide flooded the internet by posting photos and images online with funny captions, attracting an abundance of comments, and proving that humor is a vital need even in the most challenging times. This paper focuses on original Greek internet memes (not those translated into Greek) through selected examples. The study aims to investigate fifteen representations about Covid-19 and the Greek experience of lockdown, focused on quarantine lifestyle issues in Greek social media groups (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Memes are explored as humorous and composite visual communication works that highlight how Covid-19 and quarantine have affected our everyday lives.